Canadian National Election Study, 1972

This study includes three separate surveys that focused on the 1972 national election in Canada. Two surveys were conducted prior to the October 31 election date, and the third immediately following the election. The first questionnaire (Part 1), administered in June-July 1972, elicited respondents' opinions on parties and personalities in federal politics and on issues such as inflation, constitutional reform, campaign spending, marijuana legislation, and the right of federal employees to strike. Respondents were also asked to assess the performance of the Prime Minister and the qualifications of the main opposition candidates. Finally, respondents were questioned about their partisan affiliation and their voting behavior over the past few elections. Respondents' sex was the only demographic information collected in this survey. The second survey (Part 2), conducted in September 1972, assessed respondents' opinions on political issues such as unemployment, Canadian/United States relations, environment, taxes, price controls, and certain federal programs. In addition, respondents were questioned about their candidate preference, partisan identification, and party preference for the upcoming election. Basic demographic data such as age group, level of education, occupation, religious preference, union membership, national origin, and family income were also included. The third survey (Part 3) was administered in early November to a sample that included both first-time respondents and a panel that had also been interviewed in September. Respondents were asked to evaluate the federal election campaign, the candidates, parties, and political issues. Voting behavior in both the federal and local elections was also assessed. Filter variables are provided in Parts 1 and 3 to identify questions present on different survey forms, and in Part 3 filter variables distinguish between respondents who voted, or did not vote in the 1972 election. Demographic information included age group, level of education, occupation, religious preference, union membership, national origin, and family income.